Child Protection Department, Port Lincoln

Ms HILDYARD (Reynell) (14:35): Supplementary question: for how long has the ongoing recruitment process been continuing for the DCP Port Lincoln manager role?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, members on my right!

The Hon. R. SANDERSON (Adelaide—Minister for Child Protection) (14:35): I find it ironic that the former Labor government, who presided over 279 vacancies for several years—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. R. SANDERSON: —several years—would even ask about a management position—

Mr Brown: How many are there now?

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for Playford!

The Hon. R. SANDERSON: —that is being filled by a competent manager while we are undergoing a recruitment process. We have got the overall numbers of vacancies to less than 60, remembering it was 279—

Ms Stinson interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Badcoe!

The Hon. R. SANDERSON: —under Labor. For several years they held open vacancies in order to cover up their blowouts in their department. We have broadened the qualifications for our workers. We have employed more staff than ever before.